Hiatal Hernia and GERD - Could it be a Gall Bladder problem?

Hello,

I was diagnosed with a small Hiatia Hernia and GERD 2 months ago. I had been suffering with Acid Reflux off and on since November 2006 but nothing like what I've experienced the past 2 months.

I've had the scope done down my throat in August and my Gastro Specialist assured me he saw nothing serious. I also have two abdominal ultrasounds done - one in August and the second last week. Neither showed any Gall Bladder problem.  I've tried Prevacid, Zantac, Carafate, Dispas, Prilosec and Reglan but haven't found any relief.

At this point, I have absolutely no appetite and am miserable after eating almost anything - so I'm feeling very weak most of the time.  I have a constant uncomfortable feeling under my right rib cage along with heartburn and belching for about an hour after I eat almost anything. The feeling in my rib cage is not painful but an annoying feeling of emptiness and pressure in that area. Neither my Internist or Gastro Specialist seemed too concerned that it could be a gall bladder problem and they are both surprised at least one of the medications hasn't helped. I talked my Gastro Specialist into ordering a HIDA scan. It is scheduled for October 9.

Anyone have any ideas? I'm beginning to feel a bit panicked since I'm feeling so crummy which is out of the ordinary for me. I've never has digestive problems and am anxious to start feeling better again.

Thanks....

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The HIDA scan is certainly reasonable, and can rule out a low gallbladder ejection fraction.  

Other tests to consider would be a 24-hr pH study to conclusively rule out GERD, a gastric emptying scan to evaluate for delayed gastric emptying, or esophageal motility studies to diagnose motility disorders.

Further imaging the abdomen with a CT scan or MRI can also be considered and discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[debbiekaye]

Hi, I also have been diagnosed with a Hiatia Hernia I have been living with it for years but in the last year I have started having a crawling feeling under my rib cage on my left side when I eat and pain after eating and then walking or standing alot.  If I push on the area just under the sternum it is painful also.  Help.....I dont have insurance and would like to get an idea of what I really need to tell a physicain so I dont have to pay for unnecessary tests.

[johny795]

hello, i am a 15 yr old male who had been suffering from gastritis for about 4 months. it all started when i had a viral infection and about a week late ri was having stomach pain and the doctors told me i had gastritis and said that it will go away on its own.. well it hasnt and i recently have gone to a GI doctor who preformed a  endoscopy he said i have a hiatla hernia along with gastritis. he alos took some bacteria out of my stomach from the gastritis and tested it for H. Phlory or somethign like that and he called back and said my hernia was small no sugery need and gave me pills for the gastrits but recently i've been having bad back pain around my right side in the middle of the shoulder blades and in my right shoulder blade. i asked the doctor this and he said it is inflamation (inflammation) from the gastrits.. the pain is like a knotty/cramping pain. i have had blood test  and cat scan all normal but i had a slightly elavated bilirubin but he said it was just a tad high nothing to cause concern. but recently this pain ahs been getting to me im thyinking i have liver disase or glaa bladder problems but my doctor said no just inflamation (inflammation) but im still scared any thoughts or opinions please?